Should Muscovy Ducks Be Run Out Of Town?

September 15, 1985

They're big. They're ugly. They're Muscovy ducks. They inhabit scores of lakes in Central Florida. To many residents they are a nuisance, crowding out native waterfowl and fouling everything they swim or walk on.

Last week the city of Casselberry decided to take action. It prohibited any feeding of the Muscovies and said they could be trapped by residents and brought to the city's animal control shelter. Duck lovers could adopt the Muscovies as pets but only if they live outside of Casselberry. Otherwise the captured ducks eventually may be destroyed.

Casselberry is not the only town with Muscovies. Other jurisdictions may adopt similar tactics.

What do you think? Should Muscovy ducks be run out of town? You have until noon Monday to call.

(Last week we asked if children with AIDS should be allowed to attend public school. Of 1,396 calls, 1,151 -- 82 percent -- said yes, and 245 said no.)